Please post condolences for the Summers family below this announcement.

Identification of Four Marines killed in accident aboard Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif --

Four Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines were killed in an explosion at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday during range maintenance operations to dispose of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the Zulu impact area aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

One Navy Hospital Corpsman and two Marines nearby were released after receiving medical treatment at the scene.

Staff Sgt. Eric W. Summers, 32, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon, Airfield Operations Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, stationed aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. He joined the Marine Corps in July 2000, and was promoted to his current rank in October 2010. Summers’ awards include three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, three Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. He deployed to Kuwait in 2003, Iraq in 2004 and three times to Afghanistan in 2009, 2011 and 2012 as a team leader.

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To the family and friends of S.Sgt. Eric W. Summers I send my deep sympathies. May God hold you close and carry you through this time. He knows the depth of sorrow and loss. May you emulate all that made Eric special. His life and legacy will live on, lighting a way for many.